Effect of modified atmosphere packaging on the shelf-life of plantains (Musa paradisiaca) under evaporative cooling storage conditions

Marked delayed changes in physical, textural, physiological and chemical characteristics of plantains under modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) during evaporative cooling (EC) storage were observed. A steady state of about 5.01%, CO2 and 4.2"7: O-2 in the modified atmosphere of low density polyethylene (LDPE) films between 20 and 24 days was established. MAP of plantains resulted in substantial reduction in losses due to physiological loss in weight (PLW). MAP considerably delayed compositional changes in fruit colour, fruit texture, pulp to peel ratio, total soluble solids (TSS) as compared to openly kept plantains. Rate of respiration of stored plantain was considerably low under MAP as compared to openly kept plantains during EC storage. Results indicate that the shelf-life of MAP plantains could be extended up to 35 days as compared to openly kept plantains for 16 under EC storage.